Sunday, November 29, 2009

Originally broadcast as 1988 drew to a close, The Beiderbecke Connection was the third and final part of Alan Plater's comedy-thriller trilogy. Once again we were treated to a wonderfully wry and intriguing series with enthralling plot diversions and a fine musical score.

Cryin' All Day was chose to play over the closing credits and is an authentically melodic slice of vintage jazz.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

A series which has stood the test of time and will never lose its allure.

The Avengers spanned the decade, commencing in 1961 and signing off eight years later. During that time special agent John Steed was the true constant - played by Patrick Macnee. He had a variety of female co-stars - Cathy Gale (Honor Blackman), Emma Peel (Diana Rigg) and Tara King (Linda Thorson).

While John Dankworth composed the theme for series 1 to 3, it is Laurie Johnson's version (which was first heard in 1965 when Emma Peel came on board) that is most memorable.

Extraordinary crimes against the people, and the state, have to be avenged by agents extraordinary. Two such people are John Steed, top professional, and his partner Emma Peel, talented amateur. Otherwise known as The Avengers.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The second series of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet saw the action move from Germany to England and Spain. It was originally broadcast in 1986.

The magnificent seven returned but sadly Gary Holton (who played Wayne) died while filming was still in progress.

Back With The Boys Again was now chosen to play over the closing credits. It was another hard-rocking and stirring tune from Joe Fagin.It took on a poignancy of its own when the viewer realised that Wayne's enforced absences were due to his untimely demise and the sentiments expressed in the song could never be realised again.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Series 1 of this fondly-remembered series was set in Germany.It was 1983 and Britain was in the throes of unemployment, presided over by the Queen of Misrule a.k.a. Margaret Thatcher.

Seven lads took the ferry to ply their respective trades in a German building site where much laughter (and a little sobering sadness) ensued. A tightly-knit cast with each member being uniquely talented made for a most enjoyable 13 weeks' viewing.

The closing credits played out to this uptempo and bittersweet track from Joe Fagin. He also sung the opening tune called Breakin' Away.

That's Livin' Alright also featured on the second volume of Now That's What I Call Music.For years the lyrics puzzled me - "taking snapshots of fun" was actually "drinking schnaps in the sun".

The song perfectly encapsulates the lifestyle for an emigrant brickie.Work, boozing, ladies, sleep.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Ask The Family initially ran from 1967 to 1984. As the title suggests, it was a quiz show for all the family presided over by the inimitable Robert Robinson. Suitable questions were directed at different members ("father to answer", "children's round" etc) and there was also an emphasis on photographic queries.

It was subsequently revived in 1999 and again in 2005 but the old magic and wholesome formula were not recaptured.

The theme tune changed over the years with John Leach's Sun Ride taking the mantle at the end of the initial run and also for the first revival. A memorable, if somewhat brief, composition from the Chappell library.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Animal Magic was a staple on BBC 1 for over 20 years, finally coming to a halt in 1983.

Well-loved Johnny Morris was the head honcho, a man who played with animals and did some great voiceovers. The programme was interesting for children as it gave the animals a more human personality and helped us understand them a little better.

The theme tune entitled Las Vegas was written by Laurie Johnson back in 1962 and lasted for the entire run.